SeaWolves FC name Jim Underhill new General Manager

Jim Underhill, new GM of the North Sound SeaWolves FC.

EDMONDS, Wash. — (club press release) The North Sound SeaWolves FC has named Edmonds resident Jim Underhill as its new General Manager.

Underhill replaces Randy O’Boyle, who was in the role for the club’s first two seasons before resigning at the end of the 2012 season. O’Boyle will continue to assist the club in a more limited capacity.

“I’m excited that Jim has agreed be our GM this season,” SeaWolves owner/coach Alex Silva said. “He has a lot of ties to the Edmonds community and he’ll be a great asset for us as we continue to try to build our success in Snohomish County.”

Underhill, 61, volunteered with the SeaWolves in a variety of roles this past season and has already started building key relationships in the Edmonds area with the team.

“I understand the importance of this team and this league,” Underhill said. “After last season I talked with Alex about how the team and Edmonds could create a wonderful partnership and become an integral part of the life and calendar of the city. Alex is committed to that and we’re working on some great ideas for the coming season.”

Underhill has lived in Edmonds for 16 years, raising four daughters. He recently retired after 32 years with the federal Department of Health & Human Services, the first 11 years in Baltimore before moving to the regional office in Seattle, where he worked to improve health care settings in rural and frontier communities.

Underhill was drawn to soccer at a young age after his father took him to a game in Vancouver, B.C. He played club soccer at Portland State University.

“The most important thing I was looking for was someone who knew how to build relationships in the community,” Silva said. “Jim can do that very well and I think fans will see some exciting changes with the team as we continue to connect with fans in Edmonds and Snohomish County.”

Underhill has met with Edmonds city officials to discuss long-term planning and the SeaWolves will become members of the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce for the first time. The team will become an active member of the city’s Fourth of July activities, including a game that afternoon. His next steps include reaching out to local high schools and community colleges to partner with.

“We need to get out, get connected and provide a good product to the public,” Underhill said. “We are a great way for players to advance their careers and a great way for families to see a fun, affordable team in the summer.”

The SeaWolves are a member of the Northwest Division of the Premier Development League, the highest level of amateur soccer in the United States. The team plays its home games at Edmonds Stadium from late May through early August.